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International Applicants

Every summer, dozens of students from all across the world participate in our Summer Experiences programs. We love the cultural diversity and opportunities for international exchange that these students bring to our programs.

We consider international students to be any student:

without a U.S. passport who lives outside the United States.

or a student who is attending school in the United States on a visa.

International students are welcome to apply to any of our Summer Experiences programs. We have the same application for both domestic and international applicants, though we do require proof of English proficiency for international students.

Programs

All of our programs are open to international students. Each program offers academic support, special orientation for international students, and social and cultural experiences. With so many options, choosing a program can be difficult, so please feel free to contact our office with questions.

English Proficiency

We require that students provide documentation of their ability to complete coursework in English preferably in the form of a TOEFL score. This requirement does not apply to students living in countries where English is the native language or for students attending a school where English is the primary language of instruction.

For students applying to High School Summer Scholars Program we require a TOEFL score of 90.

For students applying to Middle School Summer Challenge and High School Summer Institutes, we require documentation of English proficiency which may include a TOEFL score report or letter of recommendation from instructor or school counselor.

After you submit your completed application, you will receive information on how to submit your TOEFL score to our office. We may also require a Skype interview from applicants.

Student Visas

We only offer student visas to our High School Summer Scholars Program. For students applying to any of our High School Summer Institutes or Middle School Summer Challenge, you will need to contact the United States consulate in your home country to determine if you need a visa, and what type of visa needs to be issued to participate in this program. Typically, students in our noncredit programs travel on a tourist visa. We will provide you with a formal invitation letter that states that you are participating in a noncredit academic program after you have been admitted and return your deposit.

Standardized Test Scores

We only require an SAT or ACT score for our High School Summer Scholars Program. We will also accept PSAT or ACT Aspire if you have not taken the SAT or ACT.

Scholarship Assistance

We do offer scholarship assistance for international students. If you are applying for a scholarship, please provide official documentation, in English, of your parents' total income.

Health Insurance

All international students are required to have health insurance written by a company in the United States. Check your health insurance very carefully to be sure that it meets the criteria. Make sure that you have a copy of your health insurance card with you.

Cell Phones

We require that all residential students have a cell phone with a United States phone number. This includes international students.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

All international students coming from countries other than Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand must demonstrate that they have been proven free of tuberculosis (TB) within the past 12 months. The U.S. Department of Health does not recognize the BCG vaccine as being an effective vaccine for TB. Therefore, we do not accept the BCG as proof that you are free of TB. Unfortunately, the BCG vaccine causes you to test positive on a TB skin test. If you have had the BCG vaccine, you will need to have a chest x-ray, and then send us a doctor's report in English stating that the x-ray indicates you show no signs of TB.

International Student Form

We require that all international students admitted to a Summer Experience program to complete an International Student Form, which is located in the Admitted Students Information sections for each program.

International Student Orientation Materials

As part of helping to prepare international students to attend a Summer Experience program and acclimate to American culture, we have put together a few resources included below.

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